Many people who have shoulder pain may have a condition known as rotator cuff tendonitis. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that cover the head of the arm bone and control the rotation and elevation of the arm when in movement. These muscles, of which there are four, must work together to handle the motion and strength of the shoulder. In some situations, inflammation builds up in this location, which can lead to pain and swelling in the area. If you have or think you have rotator cuff tendonitis, it is important to seek out specialized help for the condition.

What Causes of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis?

Rotator cuff tendonitis is an inflammation that occurs in this group of muscles and in the lubrication called bursa. This is caused by various conditions, including repetitive overhead activities, including throwing or washing cars, as well as from injuries. Your doctor will diagnose the condition by looking closely at x-rays and other scans of the area. There may be swelling and sensitivity to movement in the shoulder as well. Doctors can often see the underlying problem from a basic x-ray, but more thorough scans may provide a more definitive diagnosis of the condition.

What Are Treatments of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis?

The treatments for rotator cuff tendonitis will focus on the extensive level of the condition. Generally, pain medications are a good first step. Reducing the level of activity of the area to allow the inflammation to reduce is also important. In many cases, stretching and avoiding straining is all that’s need. In some cases, cortisone injections are used as a treatment. These help to reduce the pain in the area once it becomes severe. In addition to heat and ice treatments, therapeutic massages can also help. In severe cases, it may be necessary for individuals to have surgery to repair the tears or other damage to the tendons, thus reducing the pain and discomfort.

Overall, this type of shoulder pain can be treated and healed, especially if you seek out treatment for it soon enough. However, you should never put off getting help for the condition even if you just feel a little tenderness in your shoulder. Report any shoulder pain to your doctor especially if you need to keep making the same repetitive motions. Rotator cuff tendonitis may not require extensive treatment, but to reduce the risk of complications, seek out a specialist.